Not really. I don't drink and don't understand the attraction but that leaves more for the rest of y'all.

Ah jeez - that was kind of tongue-in-cheek. I did not mean to offend anyone who is abstinent or struggles with alcohol. Not sure why I am apologizing. I enjoy races where people (responsibly) throw a few back. Not for everyone, sure. But they are fun for some.

I don't understand some of the anti-drinking rhetoric which has appeared in this thread.

I have zero issue with some athletes taking a shot of booze before a race, and I actively encourage social gatherings post-race (we've earned it, right?), just usually away from the course since it's typically a complete cluster...

This is all a far cry from the Bay to Breakers 12k in San Francisco. I've never done it, but many friends have, and from the sounds of it a significant number of participants are sauced before the start. This is a whole other issue, and one I'll likely explore in greater detail in 2014.

Who knows, maybe they thought that it would calm their nerves. I don't see how one shot would have much if any affect on performance.

A few weeks ago our running club did a relay where we had "aid stations" set up at our houses along the way. Several of the stops had shots set up for anyone brave enough to partake. I did a shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky at the second stop and a Dixie Cup of Margarita about half way through. I ran just over 18 miles and finished at the same pace (around 8:30) that I started at. So, at least for me the shots had no affect other than the burning in my chest from the first shot of Fireball.

Not really. I don't drink and don't understand the attraction but that leaves more for the rest of y'all.

Ah jeez - that was kind of tongue-in-cheek. I did not mean to offend anyone who is abstinent or struggles with alcohol. Not sure why I am apologizing. I enjoy races where people (responsibly) throw a few back. Not for everyone, sure. But they are fun for some.

No need to even explain, was just saying another side of the coin

You would have to try a hell of a lot harder to even come close to offending me

If you'll notice, I have no issue with people drinking prior to racing... during the race... after the race.. whatever. Just be adult about it and don't endanger anyone else is all I ask.

I'm curious of how others feel about this. How do you feel about race participants doing shots of whiskey right before a race starts? Post Augusta 70.3 I'm seeing pictures of fellow triathletes doing whiskey shots before the race. I personally feel that it is wrong. I also realize that 1 shot is probably no big deal as far as being intoxicated. It just looks bad to me.

They are adults who can legally drink. I bet they were a group of friends celebrating the start of a race with a shot. Sounds like a good time to me! Although I personally don't drink whiskey and would never do a shot of it, I wouldn't mind someone else doing it!

I famously did a one-mile road race after happy hour and I have still not improved that PR. It was the only time I nearly threw up at the end of a race. Not that I would suggest it, but the evidence clearly shows that Chardonnay and sushi is a performance enhancer.

I've always thought an awesome prank would be to replace cups of water with bottom shelf vodka at about halfway on the run aid stations.

Talk about seeing people vomit.

If the cups were clearly marked as vodka or whiskey or whatever, I'd have no problem with it.

But sneaking someone a shot of booze under the guise that it's water during a tri or run race would NOT be cool. I love to drink as much, OK more, than most triathletes, as most people who've met me can attest, but that prank would just not be funny. It could end someone's day prematurely, just so the prankster could get a laugh.

ETA: I would totally do a whiskey shot before a race. In fact, ahead of the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in 2007 or 2008, I went out for drinks the night before. I ended up doing shots until about 2am. Unfortunately for me, and more unfortunately for her, Trixie (who was staying at her friend's place and therefore did NOT go out drinking (she doesn't touch booze either so there's that)) decided we were going to run the race in 35 minutes flat. I made it to about mile 3.5 at a 7:00-pace when it all went bad.

I've always thought an awesome prank would be to replace cups of water with bottom shelf vodka at about halfway on the run aid stations.

Talk about seeing people vomit.

If the cups were clearly marked as vodka or whiskey or whatever, I'd have no problem with it.

But sneaking someone a shot of booze under the guise that it's water during a tri or run race would NOT be cool. I love to drink as much, OK more, than most triathletes, as most people who've met me can attest, but that prank would just not be funny. It could end someone's day prematurely, just so the prankster could get a laugh.

I agree with this. I have a history of drinking and running but would be really upset if I accidentally ingested alcohol instead of water. They have clearly marked martinis on the marathon course in New Orleans. Mile 23 martinis made for a loud drunken slog to the end but we sure had fun Vegas I popped into casinos for shots & slots along the way. Apparently I just don't learn, but it sure makes "racing" more fun!

When we were living in London, I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wanted to do this race in France (22 stops along the marathon for wine tasting!) - but sadly, I'll just have to make another trip back there to cross this one off the bucket list...

Originally posted by Leegoocrap I've always thought an awesome prank would be to replace cups of water with bottom shelf vodka at about halfway on the run aid stations. Talk about seeing people vomit.

If the cups were clearly marked as vodka or whiskey or whatever, I'd have no problem with it. But sneaking someone a shot of booze under the guise that it's water during a tri or run race would NOT be cool. I love to drink as much, OK more, than most triathletes, as most people who've met me can attest, but that prank would just not be funny. It could end someone's day prematurely, just so the prankster could get a laugh.

I agree with this. I have a history of drinking and running but would be really upset if I accidentally ingested alcohol instead of water. They have clearly marked martinis on the marathon course in New Orleans. Mile 23 martinis made for a loud drunken slog to the end but we sure had fun Vegas I popped into casinos for shots & slots along the way. Apparently I just don't learn, but it sure makes "racing" more fun!

I race in New Orleans. I'd be disappointed if there wasn't alcohol somewhere on the course, or large amounts at the finish line.

That said, I obviously missed the mile 23 martini station this year. And in pursuit of a PR at the Jazz Half, passed the mile 12 shot station.

I would never say it was "wrong". Maybe just something I wouldn't, under normal circumstances, do myself. Knock yourself out if you want to do it.

It's "wrong" if you are so sloshed you are stumbling/falling and a danger to others, which I'm sure on pre-race shot is not doing.

The Vegas R & R marathon had a couple bars bring out a platter full of beers for the racers. I was tempted, but it was a bit early (mile 2 or 3) - might make my gassy.

I used to not be a whiskey fan, but found they have amazing variation and nuances like good wines and craft beers. You can find a crap whiskey that will rot your gut and you can find amazing whiskeys that would surprise you how mellow/smooth they can be. I like bourbons since they tend to be "sweeter" and not as smokey as a scotch or the like.

not whiskey, and not a triathlon, but I was at the beach with friends, not a family beach but a big party beach. Was out till 3, got up to do the 5k for fun, had a shot of warm vodka whilst I"m sure still a little buzzed from the night.

It was the greatest 5k of my life. But I had no urge to drink the post race beer!

I was at a music store in Toronto, where the owner told me the story of The Bird (Parker) pawning his saxophone for drug money before his gig. He was given a plastic horn to do the show with. A quick look on Wikipedia tells me this was common.

My music teacher told me the story of aspiring musicians trying to copy this.

Originally posted by So Fresh So Clean Ummm... I was at a music store in Toronto, where the owner told me the story of The Bird (Parker) pawning his saxophone for drug money before his gig. He was given a plastic horn to do the show with. A quick look on Wikipedia tells me this was common. My music teacher told me the story of aspiring musicians trying to copy this.

I was actually going to play the saxophone.....but I couldn't find any heroin so I quit.